Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/424604
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 30 NOVEMBER 2014 3 News JURGEN BALZAN BISHOP Charles Scicluna has begged for forgiveness and promised that cases of sexual abuse by mem- bers of the clergy will be investigated and judged within the shortest time possible. "In all humility, I beg forgiveness for all those things which could have wounded some of our brothers and sisters, and I commit myself to do my part in order that, together with the other Bishops and Religious Su- periors, we may uphold our duty to safeguard our flock to the best of our abilities, and as far as we are able to." Announcing new internal proce- dures, Scicluna told the faithful "I need the cooperation of each and every one of you, in order that abuses may be reported and stopped, and in order that any dangerous situations may be detected and averted." The message was conveyed in a pastoral missive to mark advent. The Apostolic Administrator of Malta said "several people have expressed their heartache when they see signs of frailty in priests. Their heartache is also the heartache of the Church." He announced that the Church has approved a new policy on how it should deal with cases of sexual abuse involving its members. The document outlines investiga- tive and reporting procedures within the Church. The document, authored by Fr Charles Cordina, says "the Head of Safeguarding will refer the case to the civil authorities when applicable and at the appropriate stage of inves- tigation." It adds that the Bishops will co-op- erate with civil authorities to ensure that any requirements of Civil law concerning reporting of crimes to the appropriate authorities are com- plied with in good time. The publication of the new policy and procedures comes in the wake of recent allegations of sexual abuse by one of its clergy members, which has been under investigation by the Church's Response Team for over eight years. A number of women, including a woman who suffers from men- tal health problems, are accusing former Kerygma Movement director Fr Charles Fenech of sexual abuse. Fenech denied the criminal charg- es he is facing, but has so far failed to appear in court on thee occasions. Similar criticism of the Response Team was levelled three years ago when an investigation into allega- tions of sexual abuse of orphans resident at a Church-run home also dragged on for eight years. The Church investigations were only concluded following the inter- vention of Scicluna, who back then headed the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Despite the Church's reluctance to report the case to the civil authori- ties, two priests were subsequently sentenced to jail by the criminal court and defrocked by the Church. "You are able to acknowledge that we priests are people made of flesh and blood who, at times, falter in the course of our pilgrimage. Our sins are considered to be grave when they are to the detriment of others. Our sins cause great suffering: they are a humiliation to us all and they con- found many of you," Scicluna said. While stressing that the Church is not only committed to fighting the phenomenon of sexual abuse of the innocent, but also to prevent similar situations from occurring, Scicluna said "the new procedures consoli- date the Church's commitment to offer any psychological and spiritual assistance which the victims may re- quire." In a statement issued yesterday, the Church said that the new policy is aimed at protecting vulnerable peo- ple, especially minors. "The emphasis is on education and prevention to ensure that abuse does not take place and if they do happen, investigations should be concluded swiftly, in respect of the laws of the country and the Church." The statement added that the revi- sion of the procedures was carried out upon the request of the Bishops and "religious superiors". The reform includes the creation of a Safeguarding Commission made up of professionals. The commission will have the "duty to express its val- uation of each case's risks." Moreover, the Church said that the new structure will ensure that inves- tigators gather all related informa- tion in the shortest time possible in order to determine whether sexual abuse by clergy or lay members took place. The Delegate who will lead the commission will also have the re- sponsibility to offer support to par- ishes, schools and catechism centres in their efforts to safeguard vulner- able people. The members on the Safeguarding Commission will be announced in January. Moreover, the new procedures clearly state that "in no circum- stance will any gifts or exchange of money be given or attempts made to silence the alleged victim." Dominican friar Mark Montebello was recently dragged into the case involving Fenech, with the outspo- ken priest accused of acting as a go- between to offer a "six-figure sum" to the alleged victim on behalf of an unnamed "married person." The procedures say that "if any member of the Church becomes aware of any attempt to silence the victim he or she will be obliged to inform the Head of Safeguarding im- mediately. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action in accordance with Canon Law or civil legislation." Bishop Scicluna begs for forgiveness and announces new policy on sexual abuse Church launches new policy and procedures in cases of sexual abuse involving the clergy and lay members The document outlines investigative and reporting procedures within the Church Bishop Charles Scicluna promised that cases of sexual abuse by members of the clergy will be investigated within the shortest time possible PHOTO BY RAY ATTARD